by Tim Harry

Created on: April 13, 2010

The Toulouse Goose is the most common grey domesticated goose, and seen on man poultry farms, as both a meat bird and also a source of Fois Gras.

As the name suggests the Toulouse Goose originated in southern France with records suggesting that it was in existence as a domesticated breed of goose prior to 1555, Real fame though only came in the nineteenth century when the Toulouse Goose was exported to the United Kingdom. Breeders within the United Kingdom greatly increased the size of the bid, until it became one of the most important breeds for meat.

The Toulouse goose became one of the largest of the domesticated geese breeds, with the gander weighing 12kg, and the goose in as 9kg. In general exhibition birds are slightly larger than the utility birds. Breeding has ensured that the two types of Toulouse geese are distinguishable by looks as well as weight.

A Toulouse Goose that is put into shows is expected to have a body that is extremely low to the ground, and will have pronounced folds of skin beneath the chin. These folds are also known as the dewlaps.

In most cases the Toulouse Goose will be grey, although a buff version does exist for show. In amongst the grey plumage there may also be white feathers, this is particularly apparent upon the tail regions of the goose. These geese also have brown eyes, with orange bills and shanks.

Many people do consider that the meat of the Toulouse Goose is some of the tastiest of duck meat available, although its use in the production of Fois Gras still remains what it is most famous for.

In addition to meat the female Toulouse geese will lay a few white eggs, and although not prolific, most will lay an average of 35 eggs.

For those thinking about keeping Toulouse geese there are some important considerations. The Toulouse goose is a very placid bird, but this in itself can cause issues. As a general rule the Toulouse do not do well when mixed in with other birds, and are often bullied.

The Toulouse breed of geese is also known as doing well in confined areas, but at the same time they also like to have water in which to bathe. There is in general little purpose to giving the Toulouse the run of open pasture, as their lack of foraging ability means that they get very little of their diet from grass and insects, unlike the Pilgrim, and will need concentrated feed on which to live. Bathing will help to control flystrike, the maggots, to which the breed is susceptible, as well as helping to keep the bird looking attractive.

Source - http://www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/toulouse.htm

Learn more about this author, Tim Harry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.